Growsari’s key to the Philippines’ sari-sari treasure

More than a million mom-and-pop stores, or sari-sari stores, in the Philippines need better access to FMCG companies. A four-year-old startup, Growsari, is trying to pave the way

Launched in 2016, Growsari is among the first companies that have tried to fix inventory procurement for sari-sari stores

Sari-sari stores account for 37% of FMCG goods that reach Filipino households, but the stores themselves don’t get easy access to goods

Growsari may have found the playbook to solve the huge logistics challenge, but it only becomes harder as the startup scales

The startup’s synergies with two big corporate backers—JG Summit and Robinsons Retail—make a crucial difference

Philippines’ one million-plus mom-and-pop stores—called sari-sari stores—carry the potential for a major distribution channel. Yet, not many companies have dared to solve the ugliest, but most important aspect of the sari-sari business: inventory procurement.

“Restocking is the most inconvenient thing,” sari-sari store owner Corazon Alberto, 52, tells The Ken. “You’d have to close your store to buy goods, spend for the commute, and carry the shopping bags all by yourself.”

Growsari, a startup launched in 2016, was among the first to give it a shot. On its app, stores can browse through 600 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and place an order.

AUTHOR

Jum Balea

Jum is a Manila-based reporter for The Ken, where she covers startups and business across Southeast Asia, with a focus on the Philippines. She previously was editor for Tech In Asia, and business editor for Philippine media companies Rappler and ABS-CBN.

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